Rayan Fransawi (Progressive Student Alliance): ‘Students are not being heard by the university’
Rayan Fransawi (20), a Human Resource Studies student and lead candidate of Progressive Student Alliance, wants to fundamentally change the university: according to him, students are not being heard and it is time for ‘real action instead of just slogans’.
What needs to change at Tilburg University?
‘We have drawn up a list of goals based on what is happening at the university and our experiences in the University Council. From this, it has become clear that having a seat is not enough. The University Council is not a democracy and the governance system does not function as it should.
‘Core issues, such as the ongoing ties with Israeli universities, show that change is needed. Students are still not truly being heard by the Executive Board.’
What is actually going well?
‘Nothing immediately comes to mind. From our perspective, our own achievements so far are the highlight. Students can now choose a party that goes beyond the existing governance structure: not just slogans, but real action. In addition, our community has grown significantly and this year we are participating with a full list.’
What have you achieved so far?
‘We have set up a soup kitchen where students can eat for free. We believe that food in the mensa is too expensive for students and want to show that it can be done differently. We have also organized informative events and film nights, and participated in local and national protests to call for an academic boycott of Israeli institutions.
Elections on campus
Tilburg University is governed in consultation with students and staff. Who should represent your interests in the divisional committees, faculty councils, and the University Council? From Monday, April 20 to Wednesday, April 22, you can cast your vote during the participation elections.
Univers speaks with candidates for the University Council. What needs to change at Tilburg University, what is already going well, and what have the participation parties actually achieved so far?
‘In addition, within the council we have put pressure on the Executive Board. We have demanded more information and transparency, including about ties with Israeli universities and how decisions are made. The most important thing is that we have fought and will continue to fight for a university that takes the right position and is not complicit in human rights violations.’
Why should students vote for you?
‘We want to bring about real change. This stems from a personal motivation to improve this university. We are not here to build our CV. A vote for PSA is a vote for integrity.
‘We came together because we saw fundamental problems, and that pushed us to take action. A good example is the lack of free menstrual products at the university. This issue was repeatedly postponed by the administration. We took matters into our own hands: we bought the products ourselves and distributed them.’
How do you stay connected with students?
‘We are active on Instagram and our website. Students are also welcome at our office in the Esplanade (room 109). In addition, we are present all over campus. We stand among the students and with the students. You will only be seeing more of us.’
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